Chardonnay, Calera, Central Coast, CA, 2023

Bottom line

The 95 from Jeb Dunnuck is the standout, and the Decanter 93 plus several 92s suggest this is a particularly successful vintage. The reviews consistently point toward a rich but well-balanced California Chardonnay: ripe pear/apple/peach and tropical fruit, some oak/brioche richness, but with bright acidity and mineral character keeping it from becoming heavy.

At the $17–$20 range, I'd consider it excellent value, especially if you like Chardonnay with noticeable fruit and oak but still want freshness. K&L currently lists the 2023 at $16.95, for example.

One caveat: Wine Enthusiast's 90 is a blind-tasted score, while the higher scores come from other critics, so the spread isn't necessarily contradictory—the critics are emphasizing different aspects of the wine.